Alex Baer: Keep it Simple, Stewards

Wednesday, 14 November 2012 23:04

Sometimes we make it a lot harder on ourselves than we have to. This is where the acronym KISS comes in handy -- Keep It Sane and Simple.

There are other variations on that acronymic theme, of course. Many of them even contain no rough language whatever, surprisingly, when referring to our stalwart national stewards, aka members of Congress.

The point, although it seems especially prone to idly wandering away today, is easy enough to re-grasp: Sometimes the answers for our most difficult challenges and problems are right in front of us, jumping up and down, waving like mad, trying to be seen and heard.

(Of course, not everyone looks at the world as I do. To actually look at the world as I do, first, twist your facial expression into a combination wince and grimace, with a baleful half-smile. Then, pop open your eyes wide as they'll go, with wrinkled eyebrows, as if in comedic horror. Finally, place your hands theatrically staggered in front of your face, as if trying you were trying to stop a volley of catapulted pillows, or an oncoming train.)

Perhaps it will be helpful to start from the beginning: We have this looming madness of Budgetary Battles, this Bold Brinksmanship of Bucks yet to come, as I'm sure some networks will pitch it, trying to prop up sagging ratings and ad rates after the election.

The crisis was triggered by Republicans. Here's what they put on Uncle Sam's credit card: Two wars, a handful of military skirmishes, deep tax gouges for the wealthy, bankster bailouts, and all sorts of other, equally insane shopping trips with friends and extended family.